Patients Have Final Surgeries At Old Kimball Hospital

Patients from Cheyenne and Kimball were the last surgery patients at Kimball's old hospital on Friday, marking the end of an era at the 73-year-old facility and a new beginning at Kimball's new hospital next month.

Bob Mason of Cheyenne and Larry Snyder of Kimball underwent procedures on the last day surgeries were performed in the hospital's old operating room.

Mason, a Cheyenne firefighter and patient of KHS plastic and hand surgeon Dr. Bill Wyatt, underwent an amputation revision procedure to rebuild part of a finger.

Snyder, a Kimball area farmer, underwent a sinus surgery by Dr. William Dickey, KHS's ear, nose and throat specialist.

Demand for surgery services has increased dramatically in the last decade, going from 20 performed in 2013 to 216 surgeries last year.

"We're very fortunate to have a group of very talented surgeons and health providers in Kimball," said Jason Beals, surgery department director at KHS. "They're all dedicated to excellent quality, safety, satisfaction and the best possible outcomes. It will be exciting to see the work they'll be able to do at our new facilities in just a few weeks."

Wyatt, Dickey, Dr. Jeffrey MacMillan and Dr. Rene Hinkle will share a new, modern surgical suite including two operating rooms at the new Kimball Health Services hospital facility.

Wyatt is a board-certified hand surgeon, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, a board-certified general surgeon and a certified wound care specialist.

Dickey is a board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat) specialist.

MacMillan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon whose specialty includes joint replacement surgeries.

Hinkle is board-certified in OBGYN (obstetrics and gynecology) care.